Cardiovascular Center

Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMR)

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When Coronary Bypass is not enough, Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) can be considered.

TMR is a treatment aimed at improving blood flow to areas of the heart that were not treated by angioplasty or surgery or in which surgery alone will not suffice. Patients with coronary artery disease are treated with interventional procedures (angioplasty and stenting), coronary artery bypass grafting and medications to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Sometimes these procedures do not eliminate the symptoms of chest pain, Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization or TMR is another treatment option. A special carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to create small channels in the heart muscle, improving blood flow in the heart. The procedure is performed through a small left chest incision or through a midline incision. Frequently, it is performed with coronary artery bypass surgery, but occasionally it is performed independently.

How does it work?

How TMR reduces angina is not fully understood. The laser may stimulate new blood vessels to grow and/or it may destroy nerve fibers to the heart, making patients unable to feel their chest pain. TMR will not replace coronary artery bypass or angioplasty as the most common method of treating coronary artery disease. These alternatives have been proven over time to be safe, effective ways to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. However TMR can be considered in:

People who are high-risk candidates for a second bypass or angioplasty.
People whose blockages are too diffuse to be treated with bypass alone.
Some patients with heart transplants who develop atherosclerosis in their transplanted heart.

Jonathan S. Allan, PA-C, M.S.

Locations

Huntsman Cancer Hospital
University Hospital	(801) 581-5311

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Physician Assistant

David A. Bull, M.D.

Locations

University Hospital

(801) 581-5311

Specialties: Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Coronary Revascularization, Esophageal Surgery, Heart Transplant, Lung Cancer, Lung Transplant, Valvular Heart Disease

Phillip T. Burch, M.D.

Locations

Primary Children's Medical Center

(801) 662-5577

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Shamus R. Carr, M.D., FACS

Locations

Huntsman Cancer Hospital	(801) 587-4470
University Hospital	(801) 581-5311

Specialties: Barrett's Esophagus, Bronchoscopy surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Esophageal Diseases, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Lung Cancer, Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery, Therapeutic Endoscopy

Jessica M. De St Jeor, B.S.

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery

Aaron W. Eckhauser, M.D., M.S.C.I

Specialties: Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Transplant, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Peter J. Gruber, M.D., Ph.D.

Locations

Primary Children's Medical Center

(801) 662-5566

Specialties: Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Transplant, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Kyle Gubler, PA-C

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Physician Assistant

Terri M. Hancock, DNP, ACNP-BC

Locations

University Hospital

(801) 581-5311

Specialties: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Aditya K. Kaza, M.D.

Locations

Primary Children's Medical Center

(801) 662-5566

Specialties: Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Transplant, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Antigoni Koliopoulou, M.D.

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery

Ganesh S. Kumpati, M.D.

Locations

University Hospital	(801) 581-5311
Veterans Administration Medical Center	(801) 582-1565

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery

Thomas Lewis, PA-C

Locations

University Hospital

(801) 231-2200

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Physician Assistant

Stephen McKellar, M.D., M.Sc.

Specialties: Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Coronary Revascularization, Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Lung Transplant, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery, Minimally Invasive Lung & Esophageal Surgery, Valvular Heart Disease

Amit N. Patel, M.D., B.S., M.S.

Locations

University Hospital

(801) 587-7946

Specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Failure, Heart Stem Cell Therapy, Heart Transplant, Lung Transplant, Valvular Heart Disease

Craig H. Selzman, M.D.

Locations

University Hospital

(801) 587-9348

Specialties: Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiac Mechanical Support, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Coronary Revascularization, Heart Failure, Heart Stem Cell Therapy, Heart Transplant, Lung Transplant, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery, Surgical Ventricular Restoration, Valvular Heart Disease